Ralph's Daily Devotional - Thursday, February 1

Scoffers sarcastically and jokingly mock and dismiss Godly wisdom. They are condescending, rude and arrogant. There are a number of examples of such people in Scripture: Acts 2:13; Acts 17:32; 2nd Peter 3:3.

Working in the business office for years prior to ministry taught me a great deal on this subject -mostly negative, although I did reach some with the good news of God's word.

Paul tells us: "Non-spiritual people do not receive the things of God. Such things are foolish to them." Of course there are other people who do not believe, yet show respect and tolerance. Proverbs is not speaking to such people in this passage but to mockers who are in a class of their own!

But before we dismiss such people as hopeless and godless, we need to recall Paul's words that "Once we too were foolish and disobedient" (Titus 3:3). The song of our faith rings out, "Amazing grace, I once was blind but now I see." Therefore, these people, though difficult, need our patience and love.

But there comes a point when we need to move on. Psalm 1:2 states that we are not to "sit with scoffers" (remain in their unholy company). In fact, Jesus tells us, "Do not cast pearls before swine." The picture of doing that is ludicrous and only a fool would throw valuable pearls at pigs.

Even so, God's word is a pearl of great value. Know when to share it and when to walk away.